Carrier bag with multi-function removable panel

ABSTRACT

A hand and/or shoulder carrier bag having a removable panel. The removable panel may be releasably and selectively coupled to the bag using various mechanisms, such as hook-and-loop fasteners, zippers, magnets, clasps, clamps, hooks, buckles, snaps, and buttons. The removable panel has a display side that acts as the front face of the bag when coupled to the bag. The removable panel has a hidden side that, when coupled to the bag, forms a depth-wise flexible blister pocket into which temporary storage items may be placed. The removeable panel may include an access slit through which the blister pocket is accessed. The peripheral edges of the removeable panel include piping that generally aligns with the outer edges of the bag and obscures the fact that the removable panel is not a monolithic part of the bag.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a Continuation-In-Part of U.S. Ser. No. 17/225,751 filed on Apr. 8, 2021, which is Continuation-In-Part of U.S. Ser. No. 16/732,490 filed on Jan. 2, 2020; and also which claims priority to U.S. 29/813,830 filed on Nov. 1, 2021; U.S. 29/815,932 filed on Nov. 17, 2021; U.S. 29/817,082 filed on Nov. 29, 2021; U.S. 29/818,503 filed on Dec. 9, 2021; and U.S. 29/825,624 filed on Feb. 3, 2022, the entire disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference and relied upon.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Field of the Invention. The invention relates generally to a bag, such as a backpack, and more particularly to a carrier bag having a having a removable panel.

Description of Related Art. People enjoy accessorizing and stylizing their clothes, shoes, hats, and any other personal belongings/accessories to their individual preferences. Some people may want their clothes, shoes, hats, etc. to match their bags/packs on any given day and for any occasion. For example, an individual wearing brown shoes with a brown belt on Monday may also want their bag to have a brown face to match the rest of their outfit. The same individual may want to wear red shoes with a red belt on Tuesday, while having a bag that also matches this outfit, without needing to buy a different bag.

Others may want to display their favorite sports teams, businesses, universities, etc. on the face of their bags without needing to purchase a separate bag for each team, university, etc. The attachment of pins, patches, buttons, stickers, and the like to bags often results in a low-cost, unprofessional, and unsophisticated look. In addition, these objects typically do not evenly cover the face of a bag and may be unintentionally or accidently removed. Many bags, though, have appearances that cannot be easily changed or varied.

As a result, there is a need for a bag with a front/face panel that may be readily stylized and replaced to meet an individual's personal preferences while maintaining the bag's overall utility

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure describes, among other things, a hand and/or shoulder carried bag having a removable panel. The removable panel may be releasably connected to the bag using various mechanisms.

According to a first aspect of the invention, a combination bag and removeable panel is provided. The bag has at least one inner compartment enclosed on six sides by opposing top and bottom portions and opposing front and back sides and opposing left and right sides. The bag has a height defined by the distance between the top and bottom portions. The bag has a width defined by the distance between the left and right sides. The bag has a depth defined by the distance between the front and back sides. At least one of the top portion and the front and back and left and right sides has a fissure through which the inner compartment is accessed. The fissure is selectively closeable. The removable panel is selectively engageable with, and entirely disengageable from, the bag. The removeable panel has a hidden side directly facing the front side of the bag. The removeable panel has a display side opposite the hidden side and facing outwardly away from the bag. The removeable panel has opposing top and bottom edges and opposing side edges. The removeable panel has a width between the opposing side edges generally equal to the width of the back side of the bag. The removeable panel has a height between the top and bottom edges. Fastening elements selectively interconnect at least three of the top edge and bottom edge and opposing side edges of the removeable panel to the bag. A blister pocket formed between the flexible hidden side of the removable panel and the front side of the bag. The blister pocket being bounded on at least three sides by the fastening elements and flexible in the depth direction between the hidden side of the removeable panel and the front side of the bag.

According to a second aspect of the invention, a combination bag and removeable panel is provided. The bag has at least one inner compartment enclosed on six sides by opposing top and bottom portions and opposing front and back sides and opposing left and right sides. The bag has a height defined by the distance between the top and bottom portions. The bag has a width defined by the distance between the left and right sides. The bag has a depth defined by the distance between the front and back sides. At least one of the top portion and the front and back and left and right sides has a fissure through which the inner compartment is accessed. The fissure is selectively closeable. The removable panel is selectively engageable with, and entirely disengageable from, the bag. The removeable panel has a hidden side directly facing the front side of the bag. The removeable panel has a display side opposite the hidden side and facing outwardly away from the bag. The removeable panel has opposing top and bottom edges and opposing side edges. The removeable panel has a width between the opposing side edges generally equal to the width of the back side of the bag. The removeable panel has a height between the top and bottom edges. Fastening elements selectively interconnect at least three of the top edge and bottom edge and opposing side edges of the removeable panel to the bag. The bottom edge of the removeable panel is aligned with the bottom portion of the bag. The removeable panel completely covers the front side of the bag without covering any portion of the bottom, back, left or right sides of the bag. And wherein the removeable panel includes a piping element that extends continuously along the top and bottom and side edges thereof.

According to a third aspect of the invention, a combination bag and removeable panel is provided. The bag has at least one inner compartment enclosed on six sides by opposing top and bottom portions and opposing front and back sides and opposing left and right sides. The bag has a height defined by the distance between the top and bottom portions. The bag has a width defined by the distance between the left and right sides. The bag has a depth defined by the distance between the front and back sides. At least one of the top portion and the front and back and left and right sides has a fissure through which the inner compartment is accessed. The fissure is selectively closeable. The removable panel is selectively engageable with, and entirely disengageable from, the bag. The removeable panel has a hidden side directly facing the front side of the bag. The removeable panel has a display side opposite the hidden side and facing outwardly away from the bag. The removeable panel has opposing top and bottom edges and opposing side edges. The removeable panel has a width between the opposing side edges generally equal to the width of the back side of the bag. The removeable panel has a height between the top and bottom edges. Fastening elements selectively interconnect at least three of the top edge and bottom edge and opposing side edges of the removeable panel to the bag. A blister pocket formed between the hidden side of the removable panel and the front side of the bag. The blister pocket is bounded on at least three sides by the fastening elements, and is flexible in the depth direction between the hidden side of the removeable panel and the front side of the bag. The bottom edge of the removeable panel are aligned with the bottom portion of the bag. The removeable panel completely covers the front side of the bag without covering any portion of the bottom, back, left or right sides of the bag. The removeable panel includes a piping element that extends continuously along the top and bottom and side edges thereof.

The combination bag and removeable panel may be readily stylized and replaced to meet the user's personal preferences while maintaining the bag's overall utility. Moreover, the removeable panel creates new and useful features, and can be formed in a way that hides its presence so as to give the appearance of a bag without a removeable panel.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other features and advantages of the present invention will become more readily appreciated when considered in connection with the following detailed description and appended drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a backpack according to an embodiment of the disclosure, wherein a removable panel is coupled to the backpack;

FIG. 2 is a schematic front elevation view of the backpack illustrated in FIG. 1 ;

FIG. 3 is a schematic side elevation view of the backpack illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2 ;

FIG. 4 is a schematic rear view of the backpack illustrated in FIGS. 1-3 ;

FIG. 5 is a schematic perspective view of the backpack illustrated in FIGS. 1-4 without the removable panel;

FIG. 6 is a schematic elevation view of a side of the removable panel illustrated in FIGS. 1-4 ;

FIG. 7 is a schematic perspective view of another side of the removable panel illustrated in FIGS. 1-4 and 6 ;

FIG. 8 is a schematic front elevation view of a backpack according to an alternative embodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 9 is a schematic elevation view of a removable panel that couples with the backpack illustrated in FIG. 8 ;

FIG. 10 is a schematic front elevation view of a backpack according to another alternative embodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 11 is a schematic elevation view of a removable panel that couples with the backpack illustrated in FIG. 10 ;

FIG. 12 is a schematic perspective view of a backpack according to yet another alternative embodiment of the disclosure, wherein a removable panel is coupled to the backpack;

FIG. 13 is a schematic side elevation view of the backpack illustrated in FIG. 12 ; and

FIG. 14 is a schematic perspective view of the backpack illustrated in FIGS. 12 and 13 without the removable panel;

FIG. 15 is a schematic elevation view of a removable panel that couples with the backpack illustrated in FIGS. 12-14 ;

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the invention showing the removeable panel coupled to the bag;

FIG. 17 is an exploded perspective view as in FIG. 16 showing the removeable panel separated from the bag;

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the invention showing the removeable panel coupled to the bag;

FIG. 19 is an exploded perspective view as in FIG. 18 showing the removeable panel separated from the bag;

FIG. 20 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the invention showing the removeable panel coupled to the bag;

FIG. 21 is an exploded perspective view as in FIG. 20 showing the removeable panel separated from the bag;

FIG. 22 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the invention showing the removeable panel coupled to the bag;

FIG. 23 is an exploded perspective view as in FIG. 22 showing the removeable panel separated from the bag;

FIG. 24 is a side view of the bag of FIG. 22 ;

FIG. 25 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the invention showing the removeable panel coupled to the bag;

FIG. 26 is an exploded perspective view as in FIG. 25 showing the removeable panel separated from the bag;

FIG. 27 is a side view of the bag of FIG. 25 ;

FIG. 28 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the invention showing the removeable panel coupled to the bag;

FIG. 29 is an exploded perspective view as in FIG. 28 showing the removeable panel separated from the bag;

FIG. 30 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the invention showing the removeable panel coupled to the bag;

FIG. 31 is an exploded perspective view as in FIG. 30 showing the removeable panel separated from the bag;

FIG. 32 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the invention showing the removeable panel coupled to the bag; and

FIG. 33 is an exploded perspective view as in FIG. 32 showing the removeable panel separated from the bag.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

It is to be understood that the disclosure may assume various alternative orientations and step sequences, except where expressly specified to the contrary. It is also understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the specification are simply exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts disclosed and defined herein. Hence, specific dimensions, directions or other physical characteristics relating to the various embodiments disclosed are not to be considered as limiting, unless expressly stated otherwise.

The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language herein, for example, “such as” or “including,” is intended merely to better illustrate the present teachings and do not pose a limitation on the present disclosure unless claimed. No language in the present disclosure should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element as essential to the practice of the present disclosure.

In general, this disclosure describes a hand and/or shoulder carried bag that has a removable panel. Even though a backpack is illustrated in many of the figures of the present disclosure, one of ordinary skill in the art would understand that other types of bags, such as duffle bags, pouches, sports bags, messenger bags, camera bags, cosmetic bags, travel bags, computer cases, wheeled bags, or any other type of bag, may also be used with the present disclosure. The removable panel may be the front/face portion of the bag, which may be readily removed from and attached to the bag.

FIGS. 1-7 illustrate views of a bag 10 according to a first embodiment of the disclosure. The bag 10 includes a removable panel 12 coupled to a front side 14 on the bag 10 and a back side 16 that generally opposes the front side 14. The bag 10 also includes opposing left and right sides 18, 20, a top portion 22, and a bottom portion 24. In addition, the bag 10 includes adjustable shoulder straps 26 that extend across the back side 16 (e.g. FIG. 4 ), an inner compartment accessible by a first zipper 30 on the back side 16 (e.g. FIG. 4 ), another inner compartment accessible by a second zipper 32 extending across the top portion 22 (e.g. FIG. 5 ), a plurality of pockets 28 on the exterior surface of the left and right sides 18, 20 (e.g. FIGS. 1, 3, and 5 ), and one or more locking clips 34 extending outward from the back side 16 (e.g. FIG. 4 ). Said another way, the bag 10 has at least one inner compartment enclosed on six sides by opposing top 22 and bottom 24 portions and opposing front 14 and back 16 sides and opposing left 18 and right 20 sides. The bag 10 has a height defined by the distance between the top 22 and bottom 24 portions. The bag 10 has a width defined by the distance between the left 18 and right 20 sides. And the bag 10 has a depth defined by the distance between the front 14 and back 16 sides. At least one of the top portion 22 and the front 14 and back 16 and left 18 and right 20 sides has a fissure through which the inner compartment is accessed. In the case of multiple inner compartments, typically a dedicated fissure will serve each inner compartment. The fissure(s) may be selectively closeable, such as the zippers 30, 32, or other suitable resealable closure mechanism including but not limited to hook-and-loop, snaps, buttons, buckles, magnets, and the like. In an embodiment, the bag 10 may also include a locking mechanism 36 on the top portion 22. In other embodiments, the bag 10 may include other elements and structures that are not depicted in the drawings.

The bag 10 may be made from any suitable fabric or material, including, but not limited to cloth, leather, nylon, metal, mesh, fur, vinyl, silk, cotton, polyester, etc. Similarly, the removable panel 12 may be made from the same types of materials as the bag 10.

FIGS. 1-4 illustrate the removable panel 12 selectively coupled to the front side 14 such that the removable panel 12 acts as a front face on the bag 10. The removable panel 12 may be readily interchangeable with a variety of different bags depending on the user's preferences. In this embodiment, the removable panel 12 is selectively coupled to an exterior surface of the front side 14 of the bag 10 using one or more fastening elements, such as hook-and-loop strips 44, 50 positioned on the bag 10 and one or more hook-and-loop strips 56A/B positioned on the removable panel 12. Alternative fastening elements include but are not limited to snaps, buttons, laces, buckles, magnets, and the like. Preferably, the fastening elements are located so as enable the removeable panel to be secured along at least three of its top edge and bottom edge and opposing side edges. One convenient form of fastening element, but by no means the exclusive form, is a hook-and-loop system. Hook-and-loop strips 44, 50, 56A/B may each be secured to the front side 14 of the bag 10 and a first hidden side 38 of the removable panel 12 using various techniques, such as sewing, gluing, taping, etc. This allows the hidden side 38 of the removable panel 12 to rest flush with front side 14 of the bag 10 when coupled.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 5 , two parallel strips 44 of hook-and-loop may each extend vertically along the entire length of the exterior surface of the front side 14 of the bag 10 from a first end 46 of the front side 14 to a second end 48 of the front side 14. The second end 48 of the front side 14 is proximate to the second zipper 32. The two parallel strips 44 of hook-and-loop may each also extend at least partially across the top portion 22 between the second zipper 32 and the back side 16. One of ordinary skill in the art would understand that the strips 44 of hook-and-loop may extend only partially along the exterior surface of the front side 14 of the bag 10 in other embodiments. Also, one of ordinary skill in the art would understand that there may be only one strip or more than two strips of hook-and-loop extending at least partially along the front side 14 of the bag 10.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 5 , the front side 14 of the bag 10 also includes another strip 50 of hook-and-loop positioned at a bottom portion 52 of the front side 14. The strip 50 of hook-and-loop is perpendicular to and thicker than the strips 44 of hook-and-loop located on the front side 14. The strip 50 of hook-and-loop may be positioned directly on the exterior surface on the bottom portion 52 of the front side 14 or on a flap portion 54 positioned on the bottom portion 52 of the front side 14.

As best seen in FIG. 6 , the hidden side 38 of the removable panel 12 may comprise hook-and-loop strips 56A/B that are configured to mate with the one or more of the hook-and-loop strips 44 on the front side 14 of the bag 10. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 6 , there is a set of parallel hook-and-loop strips 56A arranged along the outer portions of the hidden side 38 of the removable panel 12 and a hook-and-loop strip 56B positioned perpendicular to the set of parallel hook-and-loop strips 56A. The hook-and-loop strip 56B shown in FIG. 6 is located on a lower portion 58 of the hidden side 38 of the removable panel 12 to properly align with the hook-and-loop strips 44, 50 located on the front side 14 of the bag 10. One of ordinary skill in the art would understand that the location and quantity of hook-and-loop strips on the hidden side 38 of the removable panel 12 may vary in other embodiments.

As best seen in FIGS. 1, 2, and 7 , the removable panel 12 also comprises a second display side 40 opposing the hidden side 38. The display side 40 acts as the face of the bag 10 when the removable panel 12 is coupled to the bag 10. As such, the display side 40 may be customized and stylized based on the user's preferences. In this embodiment, the removable panel 12 includes one or more buckles 42 extending radially outward from the perimeter of the removable panel 12. The buckles 42 are configured to engage with the locking clips 34 on the bag 10. The buckles 42 and the locking clips 34 may be fabricated from any type of material and may have any shape or configuration so long as the locking clips 34 may mate with the buckles 42.

For example, the display side 40 of the removable panel 12 may include a design, such as a logo, a pattern, or artwork. The design may be used to promote a sports team, business, university, etc. The display side 40 may be coupled to a variety of different bags. For example, the display side 40, as depicted in FIGS. 1, 2, and 7 , may be coupled to the bag 10 when the bag 10 is used for work. A user may then convert the bag 10 for a different purpose/activity by either changing the design on the existing removable panel 12 or replacing the removable panel. In some examples, the user may choose a removable panel that matches (or does not match) the color, design, fabric, etc. of the rest of the bag 10.

In the embodiment seen in FIGS. 1-4 , the hidden side 38 of the removable panel 12 is coupled to the front side 14 of the bag 10 using the hook-and-loop strips 44, 50, 56A/B and the locking clips 34 inserted into the buckles 42. In this embodiment, two locking clips 34 are inserted into two buckles 42 on each of the left and right sides 18, 20 of the bag 10. In other embodiments, the removable panel 12 may be coupled to the bag 10 using either the hook-and-loop strips 44, 50, 56A/B and/or the locking clips 34 inserted into the buckles 42.

When the removeable panel 12 is fitted to the bag 10, its hidden side 38 is positioned in direct facing opposition to the front side 14 of the bag 10. However, it will be appreciated that between the vertically oriented hook-and-loop strips 44, 56A and above the bottom horizontal hook-and-loop strips 50, 56B there is not adhesion between the hidden 38 and front 14 sides, thus forming a natural blister pocket. That is to say, the whenever the removeable panel 12 is fitted to the bag 10, a blister pocket naturally forms between the hidden side 38 of the panel 12 and the front side 14 of the bag 10, and in the spans between the vertically oriented hook-and-loop strips 44, 56A and above the bottom horizontal hook-and-loop strips 50, 56B. Preferably, at least one of the hidden side 38 of the panel 12 and the front side 14 of the bag 10 is, or both are, fabricated from a flexible material, such as canvas or woven nylon cloth, so that the blister pocket itself is expandable to some degree in the depth direction. A user can take advantage of this flexible blister pocket by moving objects through the gap between the vertically oriented hook-and-loop strips 44, 56A adjacent the top or uppermost portion of the removeable panel 12. The depth-wise expandable nature of the blister pocket facilitates acceptance of small objects therein of various sizes and thicknesses albeit on the thinner side. In this manner, a substantial portion of the vertical length of the front side 14 of the bag 10 can be utilized as an easily accessed informal storage compartment for documents and smaller objects, particularly those requiring a lesser degree of security.

The removeable panel 12 is shown in FIGS. 1-7 has a height that is greater than the vertical height of the front side of the bag, forming a flap-like extension adapted to overlay some or all of the top portion 22 of the bag 10. As mentioned previously, the two parallel strips 44 of hook-and-loop (or other suitable fastening elements) may extend at least partially across the top portion 22 and thus be used to secure the flap-like portion of the removeable panel 12 to the top portion 22 via mating hook-and-loop strips 56A. A user need only to separate the flap-like extension from the top portion 22 of bag by locally disengaging the fastening elements to move objects into and out of the blister pocket. In the case of hook-and-loop fastening elements 44, 56A that is accomplished by pulling back only the flap while the remainder of the panel 12 is attached to the front side 14. However, access through the flap-like extension is not the exclusive avenue through which a user can gain access to the blister pocket. Indeed, a user need only to separate any convenient corner or edge of the removeable panel (while the remainder of the panel is attached to the bag) to move objects into and out of the blister pocket. In embodiments where the removeable panel does not include a flap-like extension overlaying some or all of the top portion of the bag, as in the example of FIGS. 16-19, 22-24, 28-29 and 32-33 , a user can access the blister pocket by separating any convenient corner or edge of the removeable panel while the remainder of the panel is attached to the front side.

To further enhance the accessibility of the blister pocket, the removeable panel 12 may be fitted with an access slit 400. The access slit 400 establishes a pass-through zone in which a user's hand may transit the removeable panel for the purpose of moving objects into and out of the blister pocket space. The access slit 400 can be oriented in any desired manner according to the designers choice, but in the example of FIGS. 1-7 appears as a straight horizontal feature transiting from one long edge of the hidden side 38 to the other long edge offset from the top portion 22 of the bag 10. As can be appreciated from FIG. 6 , the vertically oriented hook-and-loop strips 56A may cover portions of the access slit 400 on the display side 40.

Optionally, the access slit 400 can be made selectively sealable such as by use of a zipper as illustrated in FIGS. 1, 2 and 7 . Alternatively, the resealable mechanism could be hook-and-loop fastening strips, buttons, snaps, laces, magnets or any other suitable resealable fastening technique. In cases where the removeable panel 12 is of double-walled construction, meaning that the hidden 38 and display 40 sides are fabricated of distinct sheets, the access slit 400 can also provide admission to the secret area between the hidden 38 and display 40 sides.

In an embodiment, the removable panel 12 covers the entire front side 14 and the entire top portion 22 of the bag 10 by attaching to the respective hook-and-loop strips 44, 50 thereon. As a result, a portion of the removable panel 12 overlays the second zipper 32. In another embodiment, the removable panel 12 only covers a portion of the front side 14 of the bag 10 and does not overlay the second zipper 32. The removable panel 12 may be readily decoupled from the front side 14 of the bag 10 by releasing each of the locking clips 34 from the buckles 42 and/or by pulling the removable panel 12 off the hook-and-loop strips 44, 50.

The peripheral edges of the removeable panel 12 may include piping 410. The piping 410 preferably runs continuous around the exterior edges of the removeable panel 12, forming the appearance of trim or embellishment similar to piping elements commonly found on upholstery and decorative pillows. In the present case, however, the piping 410 serves an important functional purpose. One of the objectives of this invention is to create an easily customizable bag 10 (or other type of bag) that masquerades as a non-customizable bag. That is to say, the bag 10 is able to fool casual observers into assuming that the removeable panel 12 is in fact an integral part of the bag 10. As stated previously, the removable panel 12 has a size and shape that closely matches the size and shape of the front side 14 of the bag 10. The piping 410 thus aligns with the outer edges of the backpack. The heavy/bold aesthetic created by the piping 410 easily tricks the observer into presuming the piping 410 is part of the bag 10 per se. Consequently, the casual observer is purposely misled, albeit harmlessly, into not appreciating that a removeable panel 12 overlies the bag 10 as can be appreciated by the view of FIG. 2 . This benign trickery is accomplished in part due to the strategic use of piping 410 in combination with the complimentary shape of removeable panel 12.

The removable panel 12 may be selectively coupled to the front side 14 of the bag 10 through a variety of means, including, but not limited to one or more fasteners, magnets, clasps, clamps, hooks, buckles, snaps, zippers, buttons, hook-and-loop, or the like.

FIGS. 8 and 9 illustrate views of a bag 100 according to a second embodiment of the disclosure. The bag 100 is similar to the bag 10 depicted in FIGS. 1-5 , but does not comprise any hook-and-loop strips. Instead, the bag 100 in this embodiment includes a first set of zipper teeth 160 positioned on an exterior surface of a front side 114 of the bag 100, as shown in FIG. 8 .

The first set of zipper teeth 160 may be arranged in a “U-shaped” configuration having a first segment 165, a second segment 170, and a third segment 175. The first segment 165 is parallel to and has substantially the same length as the second segment 170. Each of the segments 165, 170 extend vertically through the exterior surface of the front side 114. The third segment 175 is interposed between the first and second segments 165, 170 and extend substantially horizontally across a lower portion 180 of the front side 114. One of ordinary skill in the art would understand that the first set of zipper teeth 160 may have a variety of shapes and configurations.

As seen in FIG. 8 , a first magnet 185, such as a permanent magnet, may be positioned within an exterior surface on a top portion 122 of the bag 100. The first magnet 185 may be inserted within the fabric/material of the top portion 122 using a variety of techniques, such as sewing, gluing, taping, etc. In this embodiment, the first magnet 185 is substantially parallel with the third segment 175 and interposed between the first and second segments 165, 170 of the first set of zipper teeth 160. One of ordinary skill in the art would understand that the first magnet 185 may also be inserted within the fabric/material in other portions of the top portion 122. In an alternative embodiment, the first magnet 185 may be positioned on the front side 114 of the bag 100.

FIG. 9 illustrates a removable panel 112 that is configured to couple with the bag 100. The removable panel 112 comprises a first hidden side 138 including a second set of zipper teeth 195 attachable to the first set of zipper teeth 160. The second set of zipper teeth 195 may be arranged in a “U-shaped” configuration to align with the configuration of the first set of zipper teeth 160. One of ordinary skill in the art would understand that the second set of zipper teeth 195 may have a variety of shapes and configurations.

A zipper slider 197 is coupled to the second set of zipper teeth 195. The zipper slider 197 is coupled to the first set of zipper teeth 160 upon attachment of the first set of zipper teeth 160 to the second set of zipper teeth 195.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 9 , the hidden side 138 of the removable panel 112 also includes a second magnet 198, such as a permanent magnet, positioned within the fabric/material on an upper portion 192 of the hidden side 138. It may be positioned within the upper portion 192 using a variety of techniques, such as sewing, gluing, taping, etc. The first magnet 185 on the bag 100 may be the same magnet as the second magnet 198 or a different magnet.

The front side 114 includes one or more locking clips 134 extending outward therefrom. Even though there are four locking clips 134 in the embodiment shown in FIG. 8 , less than four and more than four locking clips 134 are possible in other embodiments. The locking clips 134 are configured to engage with one or more buckles 142 extending radially outward from the perimeter of the removable panel 112. Even though there are four buckles 142 in the embodiment shown in FIG. 9 , less than four and more than four buckles 142 are possible in other embodiments.

The removable panel 112 may be selectively coupled to the bag 100 by aligning and coupling the first set of zipper teeth 160 with the second set of zipper teeth 195 and/or connecting the first magnet 185 with the second magnet 198 through the fabric and/or engaging the locking clips 134 with the buckles 142. When the first set of zipper teeth 160 are coupled with the second set of zipper teeth 195, the zipper slider 197 may be used to zip the removable panel 112 to and unzip the removable panel 112 from the bag 100. The attraction between the first magnet 185 and the second magnet 198 allows the upper portion 192 of the hidden side 138 of the removable panel 112 to mate with the top portion 122 of the bag 100.

As described above in connection with the embodiment of FIGS. 1-7 , the removeable panel 112 can be configured with an access slit 400 and/or piping 410 to achieve similar uses and advantages.

FIGS. 10 and 11 illustrate views of a backpack 200 according to a third embodiment of the disclosure. The backpack 200 is similar to the backpacks 10, 100 depicted in FIGS. 1-5 and 8 . As seen in FIG. 10 , the backpack 200 includes a front side 214 having a plurality of first magnets 285, such as permanent magnets. The first magnets 285 may be positioned in various locations in the fabric/material of the front side 214. Each of the first magnets 285 may be inserted within the fabric/material of the backpack 200 using a variety of techniques, such as sewing, gluing, taping, etc.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 10 , four of the first magnets 285 may be inserted within the fabric/material of the backpack 200. For example, two of the first magnets 285 may be inserted within the fabric/material on opposing corners of the front side 214 in order to maximize the effectiveness/strength of the first magnets 285. A third of the first magnets 285 may be inserted within the fabric/material in a top portion 222 of the backpack 200, wherein this magnet 285 is perpendicular to the other two other magnets 285 positioned on the front side 214. Yet another of the first magnets 285 may be inserted within the fabric/material in a flap portion 254 positioned on a bottom portion 252 of the front side 214. The first magnet 285 positioned in the flap portion 254 may be substantially parallel to the first magnet 285 positioned within the top portion 222.

FIG. 11 illustrates a removable panel 212 that is configured to couple with the bag 100. The removable panel 212 comprises a first hidden side 238 including a plurality of second magnets 298, such as permanent magnets. The second magnets 298 may be positioned in various locations in the fabric/material of the hidden side 238. Each of the second magnets 298 may be inserted within the fabric/material of the removable panel 212 using a variety of techniques, such as sewing, gluing, taping, etc.

As shown in FIG. 11 , four of the second magnets 298 may be inserted within the fabric/material of the hidden side 238 to align with the first magnets 285 positioned on the rest of backpack 200. For example, two of the second magnets 298 may be inserted within the fabric/material on opposing corners of the hidden side 238 in order to maximize the effectiveness/strength of the second magnets 298. A third of the second magnets 298 may be inserted within the fabric/material in an upper portion 292 of the hidden side 238. Yet another of the second magnets 298 may be inserted within the fabric/material in a lower portion 260 of the hidden side 238 such that it is substantially parallel to the second magnet 298 positioned in the upper portion 292 of the hidden side 238. One of ordinary skill in the art would understand that the amount and positioning of the first magnets 285 and the second magnets 298 may vary in other embodiments.

The front side 214 also includes one or more locking clips 234 extending outward therefrom. Even though there are four locking clips 234 in the embodiment shown in FIG. 10 , less than four and more than four locking clips 234 are possible in other embodiments. The locking clips 234 are configured to engage with one or more buckles 242 extending radially outward from the perimeter of the removable panel 212. Even though there are four buckles 242 in the embodiment shown in FIG. 11 , less than four and more than four buckles 242 are possible in other embodiments.

The removable panel 212 may be selectively coupled to the rest of the backpack 200 by aligning and attracting each of the first magnets 285 with each of the second magnets 298 and/or engaging the locking clips 234 with the buckles 242.

As described above in connection with the embodiment of FIGS. 1-7 , the removeable panel 212 can be configured with an access slit 400 and/or piping 410 to achieve similar uses and advantages.

FIGS. 12-15 illustrate views of a backpack 300 according to a fourth embodiment of the disclosure. As seen in FIGS. 12-14 , the backpack 300 includes a front side 314, a back side 316 that generally opposes the front side 314. The backpack 300 also includes opposing left and right sides 318, 320, a top portion 322, and a bottom portion (not shown). In this embodiment, the backpack 300 includes a removable panel 312 coupled to the right side 320.

As best seen in FIG. 13 and as a non-limiting example, the backpack 300 includes adjustable shoulder straps 326 that extend across the back side 316.

In an alternative embodiment, the removable panel 312 may be coupled to the left side 318. In another alternative embodiment, a first removable panel may be coupled to the right side 320 and a second removable panel may be coupled to the left side 318 on the backpack 300. In yet another alternative embodiment, a first removable panel may be coupled to the right side 320 or the left side 318 and a second removable panel may be coupled to the front side 314, wherein the front side 314 may also include one or more strips of hook-and-loop (i.e. hook-and-loop fastener).

The removable panel 312 may be readily interchangeable with a variety of different bags depending on the user's preferences. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 12, 13, and 15 , the removable panel 312 is selectively coupled to an exterior surface of the right side 320 or the left side 318 of the backpack 300 using one or more hook-and-loop (i.e. hook-and-loop fastener) strips 344 positioned on the left side 318 and/or the right side 320 and one or more hook-and-loop (i.e. hook-and-loop fastener) strips 356 on a first hidden side 338 of the removable panel 312. As a result, the hidden side 338 of the removable panel 312 may rest flush with the left side 318 and/or the right side 320 of the backpack 300 when coupled.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 14 , two parallels strips 344 of hook-and-loop (i.e. hook-and-loop fasteners) extend vertically along at least a portion of the right side 320. In another embodiment, two parallels strips 344 of hook-and-loop (i.e. hook-and-loop fasteners) extend vertically along at least a portion of the left side 318. In yet another embodiment, two parallels strips 344 of hook-and-loop (i.e. hook-and-loop fasteners) extend vertically along each of the right side 320 and left side 318 of the backpack 300. One of ordinary skill in the art would understand that there may just one strip of hook-and-loop (i.e. hook-and-loop fastener) or more than two strips of hook-and-loop (i.e. hook-and-loop fasteners) on the right side 320 and/or the left side 318 of the backpack 300 in other embodiments. Also, one of ordinary skill in the art would understand that the orientation and location of the strips of hook-and-loop (i.e. hook-and-loop fasteners) on the sides of the backpack 300 may vary in other embodiments.

As best seen in FIG. 14 , the strips 344 of hook-and-loop (i.e. hook-and-loop fasteners) extends along the entire length of the right side 320. The top portion 322 may also include one or more strips hook-and-loop (i.e. hook-and-loop fasteners). In the embodiment shown in FIG. 14 , a bottom strip 350 of hook-and-loop (i.e. hook-and-loop fastener) is positioned below and perpendicular to the strips 344 on the right side 320 of the backpack 300. One of ordinary skill in the art would understand that the bottom strip 350 may also be positioned on the left side 318. In an alternative embodiment, neither the right side nor the left side includes a bottom strip.

As best seen in FIG. 15 , the hidden side 338 of the removable panel 312 may comprise hook-and-loop (i.e. hook-and-loop fastener) strips 356 that are configured to mate with the one or more of the hook-and-loop (i.e. hook-and-loop fastener) strips 344 on the right side 320 and/or the left side 314 of the backpack 300. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 15 , there is a set of parallel hook-and-loop (i.e. hook-and-loop fasteners) strips 356A arranged along the outer portions of the hidden side 338 of the removable panel 312 and a hook-and-loop (i.e. hook-and-loop fastener) strip 356B positioned below and perpendicular to the hook-and-loop (i.e. hook-and-loop fasteners) strips 356A. One of ordinary skill in the art would understand that the location and quantity of hook-and-loop (i.e. hook-and-loop fastener) strips on the hidden side 338 of the removable panel 312 may vary in other embodiments.

As best seen in FIGS. 12 , the removable panel 12 also comprises a second display side 340 opposing the hidden side 338. The display side 340 acts as the face of the backpack 300 when the removable panel 312 is coupled to the backpack 300. As such, the display side 340 may be customized and stylized based on the user's preferences.

In an alternative embodiment, the removable panel 312 may include one or more buckles extending radially outward from the perimeter of the removable panel 312. The buckles may be configured to engage with locking clips on the backpack 300. The buckles and the locking clips may be fabricated from any type of material and may have any shape or configuration so long as the locking clips may mate with the buckles.

As best seen in FIG. 12 , the removable panel 312 is coupled to the right side 320 of the backpack 300 using the one or more strips 344 of hook-and-loop (i.e. hook-and-loop fastener). In alternative embodiments, locking clips and/or buckles on the backpack 300 may be used in addition to (or instead of) the one or more strips 344 of hook-and-loop (i.e. hook-and-loop fastener) to couple the hidden side 338 of the removable panel 312 to the right side 320 of the backpack 300. The same applies for the left side 318 of the backpack 300.

The removable panel 312 may be selectively coupled to the left side 318 and/or the right side 320 of the backpack 300 through a variety of means, including, but not limited to one or more fasteners, magnets, clasps, clamps, hooks, buckles, snaps, zippers, buttons, hook-and-loop (i.e. hook-and-loop fastener), or the like.

As described above in connection with the embodiment of FIGS. 1-7 , the removeable panel 312 can be configured with an access slit 400 and/or piping 410 to achieve similar uses and advantages.

Turning now to FIGS. 16-17 , another embodiment of the bag and removeable panel is shown. In this example, the removeable panel overlays only the front side of the bag. As described above in connection with the embodiment of FIGS. 1-7 , the removeable panel can be configured with an access slit 400 and/or piping 410 to achieve similar uses and advantages.

FIGS. 18-19 illustrate yet another embodiment of the bag and removeable panel. The bag is of the hand-carried variety having also a shoulder strap, as is common with many computer cases and briefcases. The removeable panel overlays only the front side of the bag and can be configured with an access slit 400 and/or piping 410.

FIGS. 20-21 illustrate a further embodiment of the bag and removeable panel. The bag is similar to that shown in connection with FIGS. 18-19 , but in this instance the removeable panel includes a flap-like extension that overlays the top portion of the bag as well as covering the front side of the bag. The flap overlying the top portion of the bag includes a cut-out to accommodate a handle affixed to the top portion of the bag. The removeable panel can include an access slit 400 and/or piping 410.

FIGS. 22-24 show a still further embodiment of the bag and removeable panel. The bag is of a smaller, shoulder-carried version having a removeable panel that overlays only the front side of the bag. This embodiment provides an example of the access slit 400 oriented in a manner other than has been shown in the preceding FIGS. 1-21 . Specifically, the access slit 400 is angled across the upper left corner, and yet provides substantially similar uses and advantages to those described previously. The removeable panel is shown here including piping 410.

FIGS. 25-27 illustrate a further embodiment of the bag and removeable panel. The bag is similar to that shown in connection with FIGS. 22-24 , but in this instance the removeable panel includes a flap-like extension that overlays the top portion of the bag as well as covering the front side of the bag. Also, the access slit 400 extends horizontally across the removeable panel. The removeable panel can include piping 410.

FIGS. 28-29 illustrate yet another embodiment of the bag and removeable panel. The bag is of the hand-carried variety having also a shoulder strap, as is common with many computer cases and briefcases, in some ways similar to the embodiment depicted in FIGS. 18-19 . The removeable panel overlays only the front side of the bag and can be configured with an access slit 400 and/or piping 410.

FIGS. 30-31 illustrate still another embodiment of the bag and removeable panel. The bag is of the hand-carried variety having also a shoulder strap, in some ways similar to the embodiment depicted in FIGS. 20-21 . The removeable panel can be configured with an access slit 400 and/or piping 410.

FIGS. 32-33 show another embodiment of the bag and removeable panel. The removeable panel overlays only the front side of the bag, both having a matched gentle curvature. By matching the curvature of the front side, the removeable panel is easily mistaken by the casual observers as an integral part of the bag, a deception which is enhanced by the strategic use of piping 410 in combination with the complimentary shape of removeable panel. This embodiment provides an example of a removeable panel having a plurality of access slits 400. Two access slits 400 are shown, but the person of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that any number of access slits 400 could be added to the removeable panel. Moreover, the access slits 400 are angled across the upper left and upper right corners respectively. This arrangement offers increased accessibility and provides substantially similar uses and advantages to those described previously.

The foregoing invention has been described in accordance with the relevant legal standards, thus the description is exemplary rather than limiting in nature. Variations and modifications to the disclosed embodiment may become apparent to those skilled in the art and fall within the scope of the invention. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A combination bag and removeable panel, said combination comprising: a bag having at least one inner compartment enclosed on six sides by opposing top and bottom portions and opposing front and back sides and opposing left and right sides, said bag having a height defined by the distance between said top and bottom portions, said bag having a width defined by the distance between said left and right sides, said bag having a depth defined by the distance between said front and back sides, at least one of said top portion and said front and back and left and right sides having a fissure through which said inner compartment is accessed, said fissure being selectively closeable, a removable panel selectively engageable with and entirely disengageable from said bag, said removeable panel having a hidden side directly facing said front side of said bag, said removeable panel having a display side opposite said hidden side and facing outwardly away from said bag, said removeable panel having opposing top and bottom edges and opposing side edges, said removeable panel having a width between said opposing side edges generally equal to said width of said back side of said bag, said removeable panel having a height between said top and bottom edges, fastening elements selective interconnecting at least three of said top edge and bottom edge and opposing side edges of said removeable panel to said bag, wherein a blister pocket is formed between said hidden side of said removable panel and said front side of said bag, said blister pocket being bounded on at least three sides by said fastening elements and flexible in the depth direction between said hidden side of said removeable panel and said front side of said bag.
 2. The combination of claim 1, wherein said bottom edge of said removeable panel is aligned with said bottom portion of said bag and said removeable panel completely covers said front side of said bag without covering any portion of said bottom, back, left or right sides of said bag.
 3. The combination of claim 2, wherein said height of said removeable panel is greater than said vertical height of said front side of said bag forming an extension flap at least partially overlaying said top portion of said bag.
 4. The combination of claim 1, wherein said bag includes a shoulder strap.
 5. The combination of claim 1, wherein said removeable panel includes an access slit.
 6. The combination of claim 5, wherein said access slit is selectively closeable by a resealable fastening element.
 7. The combination of claim 6, wherein said resealable fastening element comprises a zipper.
 8. The combination of claim 1, wherein said removeable panel includes a piping element extending continuously along said top and bottom and side edges thereof.
 9. A combination bag and removeable panel, said combination comprising: a bag having at least one inner compartment enclosed on six sides by opposing top and bottom portions and opposing front and back sides and opposing left and right sides, said bag having a height defined by the distance between said top and bottom portions, said bag having a width defined by the distance between said left and right sides, said bag having a depth defined by the distance between said front and back sides, at least one of said top portion and said front and back and left and right sides having a fissure through which said inner compartment is accessed, said fissure being selectively closeable, a removable panel selectively engageable with and entirely disengageable from said bag, said removeable panel having a hidden side directly facing said front side of said bag, said removeable panel having a display side opposite said hidden side and facing outwardly away from said bag, said removeable panel having opposing top and bottom edges and opposing side edges, said removeable panel having a width between said opposing side edges generally equal to said width of said back side of said bag, said removeable panel having a height between said top and bottom edges, fastening elements selective interconnecting at least three of said top edge and bottom edge and opposing side edges of said removeable panel to said bag, said bottom edge of said removeable panel aligned with said bottom portion of said bag, said removeable panel completely covering said front side of said bag without covering any portion of said bottom, back, left or right sides of said bag, and wherein said removeable panel includes a piping element extending continuously along said top and bottom and side edges thereof.
 10. The combination of claim 9, wherein said height of said removeable panel is greater than said vertical height of said front side of said bag forming an extension flap at least partially overlaying said top portion of said bag.
 11. The combination of claim 9, wherein said bag includes a shoulder strap.
 12. The combination of claim 9, wherein a blister pocket is formed between said hidden side of said removable panel and said front side of said bag, said blister pocket being bounded on at least three sides by said fastening elements and flexible in the depth direction between said hidden side of said removeable panel and said front side of said bag.
 13. The combination of claim 9, wherein said removeable panel includes an access slit.
 14. The combination of claim 13, wherein said access slit is selectively closeable by a resealable fastening element.
 15. The combination of claim 14, wherein said resealable fastening element comprises a zipper.
 16. A combination bag and removeable panel, said combination comprising: a bag having at least one inner compartment enclosed on six sides by opposing top and bottom portions and opposing front and back sides and opposing left and right sides, said bag having a height defined by the distance between said top and bottom portions, said bag having a width defined by the distance between said left and right sides, said bag having a depth defined by the distance between said front and back sides, at least one of said top portion and said front and back and left and right sides having a fissure through which said inner compartment is accessed, said fissure being selectively closeable, a removable panel selectively engageable with and entirely disengageable from said bag, said removeable panel having a hidden side directly facing said front side of said bag, said removeable panel having a display side opposite said hidden side and facing outwardly away from said bag, said removeable panel having opposing top and bottom edges and opposing side edges, said removeable panel having a width between said opposing side edges generally equal to said width of said back side of said bag, said removeable panel having a height between said top and bottom edges, fastening elements selective interconnecting at least three of said top edge and bottom edge and opposing side edges of said removeable panel to said bag, a blister pocket formed between said hidden side of said removable panel and said front side of said bag, said blister pocket being bounded on at least three sides by said fastening elements and flexible in the depth direction between said hidden side of said removeable panel and said front side of said bag, said bottom edge of said removeable panel aligned with said bottom portion of said bag, said removeable panel completely covering said front side of said bag without covering any portion of said bottom, back, left or right sides of said bag, and wherein said removeable panel includes a piping element extending continuously along said top and bottom and side edges thereof.
 17. The combination of claim 16, wherein said height of said removeable panel is greater than said vertical height of said front side of said bag forming an extension flap at least partially overlaying said top portion of said bag.
 18. The combination of claim 16, wherein said removeable panel includes an access slit.
 19. The combination of claim 18, wherein said access slit is selectively closeable by a resealable fastening element.
 20. The combination of claim 19, wherein said resealable fastening element comprises a zipper. 